One thousand of Sunderland Housing Group's houses are receiving heating and &#xA3;3 million is being spent in the Houghton-le-Spring and Hetton-le-Hole area.

A number of those properties will be receiving gas for the first time.

The director of Houghton & Hetton Housing Company, Barry Walker said: "The advantages to be gained from these improvements are massive, and residents will feel the benefits of up to a 33 per cent reduction in fuel costs - and they will be provided with constant hot water."